Unfortunately, they are only 'Domestic' not tech toys :-(
The Dyson that we have been using for a number of years is starting to show signs of age, and the kettle has started to leak, so off to Comet we go....
[Update] We are now the proud(?) owners of a new Dyson DC14 - Overdrive vacuum cleaner and a Russell Hobs 'Colour Change' kettle - Oh Hum!
Yesterday was my last working day of 2007, I know some of you think I don't actually go to work as often as a full time worker should - but...
The Late guys came in two hours later than normal, and Angela and I left approx 2 hours earlier than normal, so I was home, washed, changed and ready to go out again by 16:00.
Amanda's mom had picked up the kids earlier in the day, and was not bringing them back till Saturday afternoon, so a night to ourselves ;-)
Our first stop was Frankie & Benny's where we had a very nice meal - service was a little slow, but the food was excellent, and the place was rammed!
Next - Currys, The Epson Photo 950 has finally been retired, two cartridges are now reporting empty again and I an not prepared to wait over a week for delivery from a few online sources, and pay £11 a colour anymore. I now have a nice, simple, Canon Pixma iP3500 (£55). It's installed and a test page has been printed - first reaction- set up/warm up time is slow, but the printer itself is very fast. No idea on Photo Quality yet, but I very rarelt print photo's at home anyway.
Final stop of the evening, the cinema. We went to see the new Will Smith film "I am Legend" - really enjoyed it!
From the Digitalspy.co.uk review
Smith conjures up enough laughs, drama and old-school action in this one-man show so that the cinema cash tills will keep ticking over nicely this Christmas. Audiences will lap up the special effects and amazing shots of a desolate New York, but at the same time they certainly won't be thinking of the film's various subtexts after they've made it out of the theatre's front doors. It's a better-than-average blockbuster, which sweeps around some large ideas and interesting themes, but never delves for long enough to make this film a true classic.
Overall - a really nice night out.
Today makes it 4 weeks since I reported my handset loss to BT, and I *still* have no replacement SIM - OK Christmas did get in the way for the last week, but it is getting rather silly now!
Seems that this shade of purple has been declared by 'Pantone' as the color of the year - Click on the image for the full Press Release
Pantone, Inc., the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selected PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris, a beautifully balanced blue-purple, as the color of the year for 2008. Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement.
Seems that the song "Requiem for a Soldier" was the main title music for a mini-series called 'Band of Brothers' - personally I have never heard of it.
But in the course of searching for a bit more information on this really moving song I came across this video clip on YouTube filmed at this years 'Festival of Rememberance'... It really touched me, that woman's voice is truly a very special thing.
Whilst you are there check out a live rendition of 'Time to Say Goodbye' or 'Music of the Night'
Hehehe, Humbug eh?
It's almost lunchtime on Christmas day, and almost over for another year. Just the trip to both Mom's to do now, a few more pressies, and then we can relax.
This year there is a definite 'Golf' theme to my collection of received goodies:
Kid's are happy watching "Mr Bean's Holiday" on DVD, Amanda is in her element organising the lunch, and I have spent a pleasant morning on the PC listening to Katherine Jenkins & All Angels between assorted Xmas songs. So far quite a good day.
2007, for me, has been the year of the Podcast. I knew *of* it some time ago, but didn't really *get it*, but these days - podcasting accounts for about 70% of my DAP usage (Digital Audio Player).
Current fave's include:
Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott
What's happening in the Windows/Microsoft world
Webbalert with Morgan Webb
All the latest Tech News
Play:Digital with Katharine Fletcher
Game Reviews for PC & Console
Unwired with Will Harris
All the latest and greatest from the world of 'Gadgets'
Discus with Justin Gayner
DVD reviews
PixelPerfect with Bert Monroy
Just how good is the Adobe suite of applications!
Security Now with Steve Gibson
A fascinating look at windows security
Each of the links above will allow you to trackdown the shows I am reffering to, but they are all also available viw the iTunes store (for free) if you have an iPod.
Last night, we took our now annual pilgrimage to Symphony Hall in Birmingham to See Katherine Jenkins. This year was however a little different, she was starring with Darcey Bussell in an original song and dance show called Viva La Diva.
To quote from the shows website:
Tonight we will take you on a journey about inspirations and pay tribute to all the divas who have inspired us to do what we do today. So Judy, Maria, Doris, Marilyn, Shirley, Barbara, Grace, Edith... I salute you! You transfixed and transported me. You captured my heart and gave me my dreams. Viva La Diva!
Amanda really enjoyed it, my reaction was a little more mixed: Katherine was as fantastic as ever, and it was a joy to hear her singing in different styles. The 'Song and Dance' routines were fun and well staged, but the Solo Dancing routines were - quite frankly a bore. Don't get me wrong, technically superb, but not what I enjoy.
Ah well, here's to next years show ;-)
Called BT again today, seems that the latest attempt at placing the order failed too, and the case is now with the "Offline Team" to investigate further. I have pretty much given up any hope of getting the replacement SIM before 2008.
In the meantime, I have started to use the KRZR anyway, but with my 'works' SIM installed... I hardly ever make calls, and when I do they are generally very short, but even so It's nice to be able to go off on my own again at the shops!!
Only 9 holes again today, Partly due to the fact it was pretty cold out there, and partly down to advice from the hospital physio who advised me to stop when my Achilles started to get sore.
This time, I stayed on the holes around the clubhouse, avoiding the steepest holes on the far side of the course. Several of these are holes I have never played before, so some element of 'Learning the hole', so a 51 was quite pleasing - being my best 9 hole score at Halesowen - even if I did make a mess of the last hole!
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | HOLE |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | Par35 |
| 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 51 |
The phones arrived within two days, but after a week I was still one SIM short of a Service Contract, so I got back in touch with BT Mobile.
There had been a problem with the order, and it was 'stuck' in the system. "No Problem sir, that's now sorted, a new SIM will be on the way in the next few days"
Severn days later, I called again - "Ahhh, there was an open order on your account and the new order failed to go though, I've closed that now, and a new SIM will be on the way in the next few days"
Not holding my breath!!
On the plus side, I did get a £5 rebate on my next bill as compensation.
Dateline: Sunday Afternoon
Location: Star City Cinema, Birmingham
Event: Film - The Golden Compass
Conclusion: Read The Book!
I must confess, the rest of the family enjoyed it, and yes the cinematography is fantastic, and for the most part, so are the special effects.... but
This is NOT a film of the book, it is a film loosely based on the story of the book, with all the meaningful bits removed! Oh, and it ends about two chapters early, which for me, removed the whole point about the 2nd half of the film.
The acting was fine, but casting Gandalf as the bear was just wrong! One of his scenes involved attempting to cross a narrow bridge over a chasm - I just kept hearing the words "YOU SHALL NOT PASS" all the way thro!
Conclusion (the longer version) If you have read the book(s), avoid this film - if you haven't read it, you may well enjoy it, but then - READ THE BOOK AFTERWARDS!!
Dateline: Friday Night
Location: NEC, Birmingham
Event: Jeff Wayne's "War of the Worlds"
Conclusion: Fantastic!
As magnificent as last year, but with improved visuals for Richards Burton. The guy playing Nathaniel was fantastic, everyone else was as good as you would expect them to be.
Dateline: Saturday Afternoon
Location: Her Majesty's Theatre, London
Event: Phantom of the Opera
Conclusion: Bravo!!
This is the 5th time I have seen this show, and it's as great as ever. The 'Phantom' was probably the best I have seen, and although see was good, Christine was the weakest I have seen.
